Pathway lookup
Firefighting in Missouri
These pages summarize rules to help you plan. They are not legal advice. Before you place students at a work site or change a program, check with your state agency, your district's counsel and your insurance carrier.
In short
Missouri students can prepare for DFS Fire Fighter I and II through a fire department membership, but whether certification starts at 17 or 18 is unsettled.
State program: Fire Science/Firefighting curriculum profile (2002, modified 2006); program CIP and course codes not confirmed ()
What a high school can deliver
Course preparation, CPR, ICS and possibly HazMat; DFS Fire Fighter I and II likely wait until 18 and a diploma, pending DFS confirmation.
Credentials students can earn
DFS Fire Fighter I and II (NFPA 1010; IFSAC, Pro Board); HazMat Awareness and Operations; ICS 100, 200, 700; First Aid/CPR/AED; DESE list status ()
Age and hour requirements
Statute sets no age; DFS HazMat booklets (2019) set 18, and one career center reports 17 by Oct 31; diploma or GED and department membership required. FF I exam 100 questions, 70% to pass.
Other agencies involved
Division of Fire Safety (State Fire Marshal): voluntary certification under RSMo 320.202; requires an approved Fire Fighter course; approval steps and lead time are in a manual not read.
Who can teach it
Career education certificate on work experience (bachelor's plus 4,000 hours, associate plus 5,000, or 6,000); DFS Fire Service Instructor I and II need 3 years in fire or emergency services; DESE certificate title: Confirm with the agency.
Child labor rules for work placements
No junior firefighter statute found; state child labor rules reach only under 16; no filing at 16-17. Federal HO 4 bars paid wildland firefighting; HO 2 limits driving.
College credit after high school
No statewide agreement; Cass Career Center lists up to 13 credits at Metropolitan Community College.
Where to go next
- The full Firefighting guide, showing Missouri
- The Missouri state profile
- Add this pathway to your plan
Firefighting in other states
Other pathways in Missouri
- Nurse Aide / Patient Care
- EMT
- Electrical
- Welding
- Construction and Carpentry
- HVAC/R
- Cybersecurity / Networking
- Programming / Computer Science
- Automotive
- Medical and Dental Assisting
- Cosmetology
- Agriculture
- Early Childhood Education
- Culinary and Hospitality
- Machining and Mechatronics
- Engineering and Drafting
- Law, Public Safety and Corrections
- Business Management and Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
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